Climate change and global warming are an ever-pressing concern these days. We may feel helpless in instituting change, but there are specific things we can all do to help (beyond voting for politicians who will make these issues a priority!).
By making small daily changes, you can actively contribute to helping preserve our earth. And all you have to do is go green right in your own home. Here are seven ways to reduce your carbon footprint, use less energy and more natural resources, and save money to boot:
1. Go paperless!
Sign up for online bills and statements (which is a major convenience) and request to be taken off of coupon and junk mail lists. Doing this simple act will help save trees, lessen paper loads on planes, decrease ink needed, and leave more room in landfills. And the clutter reduction is priceless!
2. Install smarter lights
Just changing your light bulbs can help use 75 percent less energy! New bulbs with light-emitting diodes will also last 10 to 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb.
3. Weather strip
Drafts coming in and out from doors and windows allow heat and air-conditioned air to escape from your home.
Buy simple weather strip materials at your local hardware store and save up to 10 percent on your heating and cooling bills.
4. Fix that leak
Leaky toilets and faucets are more than just an annoyance. They are a continual source of wasted water and money.
According to EPA.gov, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates, “10 percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day, and the average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year.”
5. Buy low-flow showerheads
The agency also estimates that 17 percent of a family’s water use comes from showering, which averages about 40 gallons every day. Low-flow shower heads cap the flow at two gallons per minute, which equals big savings, both environmental and financial.
6. Replace electrical appliances with energy-efficient models
It may cost an extra few bucks to pay for new appliances, but it is cost effective in the end. The energy efficient appliances use lower amounts of water and energy, which allows you to save monthly on your energy and water bills. Just look for the Energy Star label. Many companies also offer rebates for these models.
7. Collect rainwater
Use collected rainwater to water plants and clean outdoor surfaces. You can purchase rainwater collection barrels, which collect rainwater from gutters, and store on your porch until you need to use some water. One night of rain can yield 300 gallons of water on one roof alone.
Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, is a writer and editor living in New York City. Sullivan also writes about pets and parenting for Disney’s Babbl
